Q I have been a longtime Bank of America customer, maintaining a very high account balance (probably higher than is fiscally wise since I can get a better rate of return elsewhere), but I continue to have them as my primary bank for convenience and continuity.

I am irked by their $3 “Check Image Service Fee” which they began imposing this month.

I called to complain but they will not refund the fee, despite my “Prima” account status, and, instead, said I can go without the check images and get them via online banking instead.

They don’t realize (and don’t care) that fees like this are what prompts a consumer to close their account and take their business to a more customer-friendly business.

Dennis Nakamura

San Bruno

A Take heed, bank customers.

Remember when banks were honored institutions?

More or less.

But so less now that they have their hands in our pockets again.

It’s not that they are running low on cash. They have our money and its paying off for them. The Huffington Post reported that bank profits jumped 21 percent in one quarter last year, the highest level in three years.

Still, they want more.

I think that a lot more people will be irked, Dennis, by the banks nickel and diming us, charging us more for areas overlooked in recent financial industry law reform that President Barack Obama said was necessary to halt the bank’s “predatory” practices.

But there are some things you can do. Shop around. You may find another bank or credit union that offers a better deal. Also, take a close look at notices from the bank. For the most part, the banks will tell you in advance what the new charges are. You will have to read carefully. The notice I received was hard to read and the new charges not clear. The banks are still telling customers that they are trying pilot projects or that only some customers will be affected. Also, consider doing all your business online via a computer or ATM. That saves the bank money and reduces your fees.

Finally, consider the family mattress or a tin box buried in the backyard. Your money is usually safe there and there are no extra fees.

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